Women's Freemasonic Lodge of Los Angeles - No 32, WGLB

Who is a Mason

A Mason is a 'Free' man or woman of good will and high ethical standards. He/she believes in the freedom of conscience and desires to work for the moral and intellectual improvement of humanity. This requires a high level of commitment as well as sincerity and humility in the search for truth and devotion to the well being of ones fellow man.

What is Masonry

Freemasonry is a traditional philanthropic, philosophic and initiatory Society based upon Fraternity and Sisterhood. Its methods represent an access to perfectibility and to self-discovery through the use of universal symbols.

Its symbolism and philosophy teach Freemasons the real integration between Nature and Mankind. Thus understood, Freemasonry is a Universal Alliance based on solidarity.

Freemasonry does not make any distinction between nationalities, race, religious belief or philosophical view, wealth or social standing. It promotes the freedom of conscience.

Our womens Freemasonry is neither political nor dogmatic. It is not a social club.

How many Lodges from the WGLB ( Womens Grand Lodge of Belgium ) exist in the USA

- Universalis (NYC)

- Aletheia (L.A)

- Emounah. Washington D.C

Is there a difference between the Masonic Obediences

We are an adogmatic Obedience (complete freedom of beliefs).

All adogmatic Obediences established in the USA have the same Masonic principles. They may, however, differ slightly in terms of:

- All feminine, all masculine, or mixed.

- Choices in the Rituals: French Rite / Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite.

- Languages (English / French / Spanish)

- Decorum and clothing worn in the Temple

What does Freemasonry do

Freemasonry is a methodic path leading towards a certain Enlightenment.

Freemasonry does not contain and does not authorize any promises.

Freemasonry appeals to all people of good will who desire to cooperate in the moral and intellectual improvement of society.

Freemasonry helps Masons in their spiritual growth and care for humanity.

Masons learn to understand the beauty of Symbolism (through the study of Masonic tools) and the practice of Philosophy (through lectures in the Lodges/Temples).

He/she also develops an awareness of the moral and social problems facing humanity.

Masons apply the motto: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity in the Lodge and also in their daily lives.

Work is considered a moral imperative.

Masons obey the Rules of their Obedience and their Lodge.

Masons respect the laws and legitimate authority of the country in which they hold their meetings.

Is Freemasonry a sect

Freemasonry is not closed to the outside world and is, therefore, not a sect.

A Mason is a Free thinker who acts inside and outside according to his/her ideas. Freemasonry does not coerce anyone. On the contrary, Freemasonry stimulates free spirit and open opinion. Freemasons are responsible for their own development and progression without any kind of pressure.

Is Freemasonry a religion

Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for a religion. It does not propose any system of faith whatsoever.

In our Freemasonry, there is no attempt to combine religions. There is, therefore, no composite Masonic God.

Liberal Freemasonry does not have any dogma or theology. It does not offer any sacrament. It does not pretend to lead to Salvation through works, or secret teachings, or any other means.

Is Freemasonry secretive

Our liberal Masonry is secretive to a certain extent. It would be more appropriate to say that Masonry requires discretion.

Freemasonry is a technical method to work. Each member understands and experiences this differently in his/her life and would be incapable to explain it to a non-Mason. In that sense, it is his/her secret path.

It is generally forbidden to divulge the name of another Mason and also to mention what occurred in the Lodge/Temple.

However a Mason is free to mention that he/she belongs to the Craft.

What happens at a Lodge meeting

Masons are builders; to build you need to work.

Masons work together in the Lodge/Temple in order to build their inner Temple, following a Ritual and using symbolic tools.

The Ritual is important in that it transposes in a different frame of mind, away from the profane world, and encourages to reflect and be more receptive to the Masonic teachings.

The Masons regularly write and read in the Lodge/Temple,  a symbolic, philosophical, or social paper (also called - Pieces of Architecture -) that is subsequently discussed. Such a process helps them grow and develop their reflective minds.

They learn to listen and respect others points of view.

When the meeting is over, they all share a meal/snack, called - Agape - (fraternal meal), an opportunity to develop friendships.

Why does Masonry use symbols

- Symbols have an esoteric purpose; it is a method that suggests what cannot be transmitted by teaching or direct representation. It allows the Mason to integrate his/her part of personal intuition to go toward the discovery of his/her secret truth. Thus we can consider the symbol as an initiatic principle. The goal of symbolism is to link the mind of humans to what transcend it, bond the element to the whole and to the universal.-

~Jules Boucher

What does Masonry teach

Self-discovery - Moral improvement - Awareness of deeper meanings in life Sincerity - Respect of the other - Humility - Tolerance - Commitment - Fraternal love .

What are the requirements for membership and how does a woman become a Mason

- In the WGLB, women need to be 25 years old in order to apply.

- Accept to have 3 interviews with different Sisters of the Lodge.

- If this process is positive, the candidate, blindfolded, will answer questions from the members of the Lodge.

- A vote for/against her Initiation will follow.

Once initiated, the following is required of her:

- A serious extended commitment to the meetings in Lodge, twice a month.

- Participation in instructions and activities in Lodge.

- Writing  pieces of Architecture.

- Acceptance of the financial requirements by the Lodge.

- Acceptance of the rules of the Lodge.